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What Are The Chances Of Ripening Of Cervix At 38 Weeks Of Pregnancy?
Question: Dear doctor,
i am aged 33 and i am around 28 weeks pregnant. this is my second baby carrying. but, my first was C-Section. my doctor given a date close to the 38th week of pregnancy. she is planning to induce by keeping gel at 38 weeks if my cervix is already softens or ripens. she strongly said, she will wait only for 6 hours of labour, otherwise she will take me to emergency C-Section.
i have series of questions on this.
1. will my cervix ripe at 38 weeks or before. what should I do for early ripening.
2. if not ripens or labour not proceeding after induction at 38 weeks, what possibility i can try.
3. is there any possibility of vaginalbirth after 38 weeks or around 40 weeks.
what is the difference between VBAC and this delivery planned to induced at 38 weeks if cervix is already ripen.
i am aged 33 and i am around 28 weeks pregnant. this is my second baby carrying. but, my first was C-Section. my doctor given a date close to the 38th week of pregnancy. she is planning to induce by keeping gel at 38 weeks if my cervix is already softens or ripens. she strongly said, she will wait only for 6 hours of labour, otherwise she will take me to emergency C-Section.
i have series of questions on this.
1. will my cervix ripe at 38 weeks or before. what should I do for early ripening.
2. if not ripens or labour not proceeding after induction at 38 weeks, what possibility i can try.
3. is there any possibility of vaginalbirth after 38 weeks or around 40 weeks.
what is the difference between VBAC and this delivery planned to induced at 38 weeks if cervix is already ripen.
Brief Answer:
Wait for spontaneous labour
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam, thanks for trusting health care magic.
In common practice labour is not induced in patients with previous cesarean.
only those patients who go into spontaneous labour pains are given a trial of vaginal delivery.
Chances of ripening at 38 weeks is not usually very good and if induced 60-70% patients land up in repeat cesarean section.
Ripening of cervix is a natural process and you cannot do much about it but a daily regular 30-40 minute walk and increased water intake are some helpful points.
So in my opinion wait for spontaneous pains till 39 weeks and in case you want a trial of vaginal birth then opt for induction for a short interval as said 6-8 hours.
In case she feels there is no good progress then emergency cesarean section.
Chances of normal birth range from 70-75% in hands of a good gynaecologist.
All the best.
Regards
Dr Manisha
Wait for spontaneous labour
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam, thanks for trusting health care magic.
In common practice labour is not induced in patients with previous cesarean.
only those patients who go into spontaneous labour pains are given a trial of vaginal delivery.
Chances of ripening at 38 weeks is not usually very good and if induced 60-70% patients land up in repeat cesarean section.
Ripening of cervix is a natural process and you cannot do much about it but a daily regular 30-40 minute walk and increased water intake are some helpful points.
So in my opinion wait for spontaneous pains till 39 weeks and in case you want a trial of vaginal birth then opt for induction for a short interval as said 6-8 hours.
In case she feels there is no good progress then emergency cesarean section.
Chances of normal birth range from 70-75% in hands of a good gynaecologist.
All the best.
Regards
Dr Manisha
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for detailed answer and i got clarified. But, i have few more questions related to VBAC. For VBAC as well, same procedure is followed? is there any special handling in VBAC which differs from normal delivery?
VBAC is also tried at 38 weeks of pregnancy? or doctors can usually wait around 40 weeks to try a VBAC.
Thanks again.
VBAC is also tried at 38 weeks of pregnancy? or doctors can usually wait around 40 weeks to try a VBAC.
Thanks again.
Brief Answer:
Watchful nature
Detailed Answer:
VBAC means vaginal birth after cesarean.
Nothing else viz just a normal delivery in a patient who had a cesarean in previous pregnancy and no matter how that delivery is achieved, whether induced or spontaneous labour pains.
So if you are induced at 38 or 40 weeks it will be VBAC only if you deliver vaginally.
Nothing special as compared to normal delivery except for the fact that a very conservative approach is followed to eliminate the risk of scar rupture.
More watchful and early decision for cesarean in cases with previous cesarean delivery.
Watchful nature
Detailed Answer:
VBAC means vaginal birth after cesarean.
Nothing else viz just a normal delivery in a patient who had a cesarean in previous pregnancy and no matter how that delivery is achieved, whether induced or spontaneous labour pains.
So if you are induced at 38 or 40 weeks it will be VBAC only if you deliver vaginally.
Nothing special as compared to normal delivery except for the fact that a very conservative approach is followed to eliminate the risk of scar rupture.
More watchful and early decision for cesarean in cases with previous cesarean delivery.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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